Chapter 6: Friction
Chief of the Etruscan, Elbio Vulturreno – Valtuna (Capital of Etruria), 4th of June 452C
“We could send envoys to Rome?” Elbio offered to his companions, his trusted councillors and friends of his father, ‘If we could but speak with the Consul or find a friend amongst the Senate? Surely, we could avert war if they would but open negotiations with us?’ he tried to sound hopeful.
“The only negotiations the Romans understand are those conducted at the end of a sword!” Cuinte, the High Priest, stated flatly. ‘They are barbarians, all of them! They have enslaved our people, burnt down their homes, stolen our herds and threaten war…. the only answer we can give now is to raise our men to arms and march!’ It was a brutally simple answer but considering the events of the past few months it seemed the most obvious one.
‘Plikasnas?’ Elbio’s eyes fell toward the elder, long-time friend of his father, ‘What do you think?’ his voice uncertain, ‘Rome must surely be open to diplomacy? They cannot simply be pushing us to war…we have the larger army!’ It was true enough the tribal chiefs of Etruria could muster an army some nineteen to twenty thousand strong against Rome, whose army was some five thousand less than that.
The old man shook his head, unsure how to answer ‘Rome has friends and allies my Chieftain!’ he paused thinking, ‘If they were to call them to war we would be outnumbered by more than three times our own strength’ again he stalled looking to the High Priest Cuinte, anger written on the holy man’s face. ‘I understand your point Cuinte, but I must disagree with you in part’ he sighed, ‘We cannot march on Rome but then we cannot sit idle when Rome’s ships raid our coastline and ravage our land.’
‘And so you suggest what then?’ Cuinte shot back sharply, as a devotee of the War God, battle was the obvious answer to him.
‘I do not know!’ Plikasnas confessed, pondering, ‘We must move our power away from the coast, I do know that! Valtuna is exposed to raids from the sea, we should move the Council further inland either to Curtun or further north to Valakava or elsewhere, somewhere they cannot so easily reach’ it was a sensible answer but he continued, ‘Let us summon together all of our Chieftains, regardless of rank, bring together the warbands and think of a way to either best defend ourselves in the event of war or else to stop these raids….perhaps a show of strength close to the borders would make the Romans think again.’
Cuinte snorted with derision, ‘He means we should run and hide!’
‘I mean we must think more carefully! Do not seek to put words in my mouth’ came the old man’s reply, ‘Young men it seems find it easy to talk of war and death’ anger rising in the elders voice, ‘I am not afraid of dying my friend, but then there are women and children in need of protection before we seek the glory of battle!’
Squrie Scurfiu, High Chief of the lands around Curtun suddenly interceded, ‘Rome is set on war, I think that is plain for us all to see!’ he spoke calmly as was always his way, ‘The Senate would not lower themselves to negotiate with us, let us then empty the lands around Valtuna and ask people to move inland away from the sea’ it was a fair suggestion, ‘Encourage our farmers and herders to move away from the southern border and move north…we must plan for a quick war that is the only way to defeat Rome…’ he pondered a moment more, smiling at his companions and then to Chief Elbio, ‘Withdraw as Plikasnas suggests and try to upset the Roman’s as little as possible, but then if we cannot avert war we must follow Cuintes advise…strike hard and fast across the Republics border’ he paused nodding to both men, ‘Strike at Veii or at Ostia, threaten Rome itself so that their people call upon the Senate to make peace.’
The House of Yoshua (the Money-lender)—Rome, 19th of September 452C
The Hebrew sat quietly, taking the measure of the three Roman’s sat before him, his own brother Amran stood quiet and grim behind him. Senator Scipio sat directly facing him, whilst Senator Hilarius and Atticus sat on low stools at his rear. A slave girl passed quietly along the edge of the small courtyard, a brush in her hand, Scipio letting his attention rest on her behind for longer than was decent, his eyes wolfish.
“I must confess Senator I have concerns’ Yoshua brushing his hand over the wax-tablet in front of him, ‘this is a considerable sum of money and yet the return is not guaranteed’ tilting his head slightly to catch glimpse of his brother, ‘yet I have already lent your master a considerable amount.’
‘My master?’ Scipio laughed, ‘I was not aware I was a slave my friend!’ again he laughed, looking down at his toga, the most obvious symbol of his status amongst the Senate. Scipio sipped his wine for a moment, the flavour was somewhat bitter, ‘If you do not have these kinds of resources available perhaps, we will have to seek out someone else?’ the comment seemingly innocent enough, but the implied threat clear.
“And who would you ask that you have not approached already?” Amran couldn’t help but intercede, the sudden sharp glare of his elder brother however, silencing him instantly.
Yoshua fixed his eyes on Scipio keenly, ‘If you have others you could ask then perhaps you should go to them Senator’ he sounded fair, ‘Others maybe willing to take risks which I am not’ he moved his gazes to Atticus and Hilarius, ‘You friends here perhaps? They are both wealthy men’ the suggestion being more a taunt than a reasonable proposal, since all knew the two other Senators were heavily indebted to Yoshua already and could offer nothing like the sum asked for.
“Look Jew” Scipios patience’s suddenly shaking a little, ‘has the Consul not done much for you and yours already? Have I not done much for you?’ he sounded hard now, ‘That new temple of yours? Who was it who granted you the license for its erection and who was it who offered state funds to help you build it?’ Scipio had used money from the Quaestors office to help with the building of the synagogue in Rome’s poorer district, Tribune of Plebs Titus Vespasianus having persuaded the People’s Assembly to sanction the Temple.
‘And I am grateful’ Yoshua smiled, trying to sound more friendly, he lifted the wax-tablet from the table slightly, ‘I am not saying I won’t lend you the money all I have said is I have concerns’ his voice even in tone, ‘I have staked a lot of capital helping yourself and Publius in your campaigns for election and I have not once pressured you for repayment’ which was true enough, since the Hebrew had lent thousands of denarii to them both. ‘But..’ he paused, taking a breath and deciding to play his hand, ‘I know Senator Verginius has been lending you money also and turning his resources in your favour, that will not be cheap’ again he paused, trying to keep the business-like tone in place, ‘I do not wish you to take on more debt than you can afford’
‘Let us judge what we can afford’ Scipio snapped back. He was irritated, few were supposed to know that Aulus Verginius was lending them money. His eyes fell on the dark, brooding frame of the younger brother, Amran who no doubt acted as a spy and agent for his brother.
Yoshua’s hands flew up, urging Scipio to wait for him to finish, ‘I accept that entirely’ he smiled, ‘BUT…..If Verginius is lending you cash and turning you favours, then you come to me for more….that says either the Senator is not the wealthy man I know him to be….’ the Jew smiled ruefully ‘You have fallen out and he will not lend more….or ..’’ he paused again looking susceptibly at the two men behind Scipio, his voice dropping lower, ‘Or else this money is to be used against Verginius and if that’s the case I want to know why before I release the cash!’
Scipio did not hesitate, turning his head slightly to the side, ‘Hilarius, Atticus leave us, myself and our friend here need to discuss some things privately.’
The two Senators cast worried glances at each other, they had been brought to act as witnesses to the agreement and yet now they were being ordered to leave. The silence however, that followed gave them all the answers they required, they had to go or else the deal was over.
Chief of the Etruscan, Elbio Vulturreno – Valtuna (Capital of Etruria), 27th of September 452C
Where do we go from here? Father if you can hear me, wherever your soul wanders, I need your guidance now more than I have ever needed it before, Chief Elbio mused to himself. His father had always known the best course of action, he had always been direct, calm under pressure and most importantly he understood the Romans.
Walking down the low slope from the door of the Great Hall, Elbio did not pause nor did he acknowledge any off those who had come to see him depart, concern written starkly across his face. The Chiefs had been summoned to meet him at Curtun, every chief from every tribe, band and kin-group, every settlement of Etruria called to send their envoys to meet the High Chieftain.
Dressed in a simple tunic, he did not look an overly imposing figure but his youthful face was visibly aging with worry. His wife and children had gone on ahead in a series of wagons carrying the household goods, furniture, rugs, furs, boxes of coin and the ashes of his ancestors. Strapped to the back of his horse, his shield and sword could be seen plainly, a public statement of his intention to fight and readiness to do so if the need came.
Seven raids from the Roman fleet on the coast had been launched over the past few days and the only action Elbio had been able to take had been to order his own ships to patrol the coastline, though they were under strict instructions not to engage. In Rome itself, the Chiefs spies had reported worrying news; an alliance between Consul Sempronius and Quintus Fabius Rullianus had been struck, the two controlling a thin majority in the Senate, just strong enough to overawe any would be opponents to war and votes for open conflict were apparently scheduled for later in the month. The first show of their alliance’s strength, seeing Rullianus appointed Commander of Rome’s Legion instead of Marcus Valerius Corvinus and thus now the new commander was busy appointing legates.
Mighty gods watch over my people! We have done nothing wrong; we have sought nothing but peace with Rome! I beg you ancestors, gods and spirits of the land be near me now, smile for me and protect my children. When I reach Curtun I will offer sacrifice to you if you will but send your power behind me.
He kicked his horse forward, joining a body of his personal clan warriors as they moved off down the wide avenue down the hill to the towns gate. Cattle were being herded ahead of them, wagons from various streets joining the main column as soldier and citizen alike moved there belongings, for those who had no horses an no wagons the march to Curtun would be a long one, whilst for those who had decided to stay in Valtuna the wait to see what would become of them would seem even longer.
Consul Publius Sempronius Sophus – The Senate House, Rome, 11th of October 452C
Rain was beating down heavily and the sky above was deep dark despite the early hour, just having passed mid-day. Ahead of him, the Consul noticed several Senators dashing across the Forum, hiking their togas above their knees or else trying to cover the heads from the falling rain as they rushed to the Senate House. Lucius Migellus Postumius rushing up the steps for the cover of the great porch with a half dozen of his own followers, none of whom paid any heed too the Consul as they raced inside out of the autumn shower.
Where the bloody hell are you Scipio? The Consul scanning the thin crowd for sign of his friend and closest ally. He had been sent on one last mission before the session began, one final cast of the dice played to secure victory in the vote once and for all. Opposition had been building for days as the crucial vote had been approaching, Gnaeus Flavius had been speaking vigorously days earlier in the Forum against the coming motion. Behind the scenes, Marcus Valerius Corvus, the old war-horse had been mustering his supporters for one final push at killing of the bill, angry that his attempts to position his own supporters in profitable positions had been scene of at every turn. Does it really take so long to ruin a man’s career…? we have work to do! Gods preserve us if this does not work.
Quintus Fabius Rullianus suddenly appeared along the side of the porch with Governor Paetinus, summoned from Capua and Senator Gurges, the current Praetor. The latter two strolled past Sempronius offering him a gentle nod of deference. “Are you well Consul?” Rullianus smiled, looking out at the sodden scene before them, many stall holders closing shop early, ‘Fine day for it isn’t it?’ the former Military Tribune and now Commander of Rome’s army, dripping wet, his toga visibly soaked.
“I am my friend” he smiled falsely, acquiring Rullianus loyalty and support had nearly bankrupt the Consul, whom had had to take out considerable loans to secure the necessary votes. ‘We shall see how fine a day it is when the motion comes to the floor’ he turned himself, stilling glaring into the rain to find his friend, yet more Senators dashing across the deepening puddles to reach the Curia.
Rullianus hand clamped down on Sempronius shoulder, firm and sure ‘Have no fear my friend! All is ready and waiting, let us get the bill through today and both our futures will be secured and our place in history will be ready to be made.’
Sempronius did not reply, forcing a grimace, failure today would be the end of his career and for his family it would be a long fall into destitution, penury and exile from the noble orders. The General left the Consul to his thoughts, disappearing into the gloom of the Senate House.
At least Junius was on time and has sorted out his business, that is a start aye! He sighed, the Censor of the Senate had arrived an hour early and had taken up position on the front seats, from there he was kindly informing certain key members of the House that friends, colleagues and business partners whose names they had put forward to join the Senate had been accepted or else those whom had asked for particularly unhelpful members to be struck off would find their desire met; all in a hope of securing floating voters to their cause.
“Don’t look so worried brother!” came the sudden jovial voice of Scipio, climbing the stairs. He had sloped around the edges of the forum unseen, every bit the spy and agent. ‘It is done!’ he smiled as he came out of the rain, ‘Saverrio will not be attending today and General Corvus will find himself one very important ally short.’
‘It went well then?’ Sempronius hackles suddenly rising and his nerves tingling.
‘If you view ruining a man’s marriage and thus his reputation as a good thing then yes it went very well indeed’ Scipio laughed, shaking hands with his closest ally, ‘Junius is inside? He has finished the appointments?’
The Consul nodded quickly, ‘Yes, yes that’s all being fixed now! But what of Saverrio? He is finished nay?’ in the early morning, Scipio had visited the house of the Co-Consul, dropping the news to his new wife Ogliana that her husband was having an affair with her own brother, the adultery being of the most shameful kind since she was now wed to a sodomite, the tale of him offering his backside to her brother no doubt humiliating in the extreme.
‘He was in tears the poor fellow and she was frothing at the mouth!’ Scipio chuckled, ‘before the end of the week I dare say she will be filing for divorce or dragging him by the hair through the forum! The paintings are good though’ he went to move past the Consul, gesturing that they should go inside, ‘my boys have done a fine job coating every street corner from here to the Aventine!’
Sempronius turned with Scipio, touching his shoulder very briefly ‘Remember always my friend what a debt I owe you when this deed is done’ the two sharing a brief smile. Into the Senate they strode, a few stragglers coming behind them, knots of chatting and twittering old men suddenly dispersing to take up their seats.
Ahead of them, front and centre, Marcus Valerius Corvus and his son, Corvinus sat, a grim pair eyes fixed on the empty seat of Publius Saverrio Sulpicius, Co-Consul. A worried glance between the two bring a sudden touch of warmth to Sempronius heart.
Today will not be your day Valerius, let me promise you off that! Jupiter watch over us!
Scipio broke away as Sempronius stepped up to the Consuls chair, offering an acknowledgement to Papirius Cursor the Speaker, the attendant lictors striking their staves against the cold stone to call for quiet. Junius and Scipio sat together to the left, their eyes fixed on the web of Senators breaking away from Rullianus, no doubt receiving their instruction on how to vote.
Where is Postumius? Where are you, you little weasel? The Consul searching the throng of politicos for the leader of the mercantile faction for but a moment; he was sat with Paetinus, the Governor of Magna Greacia and behind them seated for to the rear, Publius just noted the slightly, grey skinned figure of Senator Verginius, the arachnid. Postumius loyalty had not been overly cheap, but promises of import contracts, mining and logging rights and the promotion of a few friends had hopefully bought the day.
Publius smoothed out his toga, making sure it sat properly shifting his posture to get a comfy position since this debate would not be over quickly. He took a long, depth breath, letting his eyes close for a moment to compose himself and collect his thoughts together as Papirius Cursor rose to open the debate, his aged, reedy voice calling the whole room to silence.
“Wait! Speaker wait” Valerius not rising from his seat, arrogant as always ‘The Co-Consul is not here yet, we should wait a little longer perhaps rather than interrupt the proceedings later’ he gestured to the empty chair. Papirius turned to Sempronius, quizzically seeking confirmation of what to do; should they wait?
‘My colleague, Senator Valerius’ music filling Sempronius voice as joy lifted him, ‘will not be attending todays debate and sends his apologies!’ he nodded to the Speaker to continue. All around the room secret smiles would be blooming though none would come from the old-general and his son, who suddenly realised they had been out-manoeuvred and the money they had spent on getting Saverrio elected had just gone up in smoke.
Chief of the Etruscan, Elbio Vulturreno – Valtuna (Capital of Etruria), 4th of June 452C
“We could send envoys to Rome?” Elbio offered to his companions, his trusted councillors and friends of his father, ‘If we could but speak with the Consul or find a friend amongst the Senate? Surely, we could avert war if they would but open negotiations with us?’ he tried to sound hopeful.
“The only negotiations the Romans understand are those conducted at the end of a sword!” Cuinte, the High Priest, stated flatly. ‘They are barbarians, all of them! They have enslaved our people, burnt down their homes, stolen our herds and threaten war…. the only answer we can give now is to raise our men to arms and march!’ It was a brutally simple answer but considering the events of the past few months it seemed the most obvious one.
‘Plikasnas?’ Elbio’s eyes fell toward the elder, long-time friend of his father, ‘What do you think?’ his voice uncertain, ‘Rome must surely be open to diplomacy? They cannot simply be pushing us to war…we have the larger army!’ It was true enough the tribal chiefs of Etruria could muster an army some nineteen to twenty thousand strong against Rome, whose army was some five thousand less than that.
The old man shook his head, unsure how to answer ‘Rome has friends and allies my Chieftain!’ he paused thinking, ‘If they were to call them to war we would be outnumbered by more than three times our own strength’ again he stalled looking to the High Priest Cuinte, anger written on the holy man’s face. ‘I understand your point Cuinte, but I must disagree with you in part’ he sighed, ‘We cannot march on Rome but then we cannot sit idle when Rome’s ships raid our coastline and ravage our land.’
‘And so you suggest what then?’ Cuinte shot back sharply, as a devotee of the War God, battle was the obvious answer to him.
‘I do not know!’ Plikasnas confessed, pondering, ‘We must move our power away from the coast, I do know that! Valtuna is exposed to raids from the sea, we should move the Council further inland either to Curtun or further north to Valakava or elsewhere, somewhere they cannot so easily reach’ it was a sensible answer but he continued, ‘Let us summon together all of our Chieftains, regardless of rank, bring together the warbands and think of a way to either best defend ourselves in the event of war or else to stop these raids….perhaps a show of strength close to the borders would make the Romans think again.’
Cuinte snorted with derision, ‘He means we should run and hide!’
‘I mean we must think more carefully! Do not seek to put words in my mouth’ came the old man’s reply, ‘Young men it seems find it easy to talk of war and death’ anger rising in the elders voice, ‘I am not afraid of dying my friend, but then there are women and children in need of protection before we seek the glory of battle!’
Squrie Scurfiu, High Chief of the lands around Curtun suddenly interceded, ‘Rome is set on war, I think that is plain for us all to see!’ he spoke calmly as was always his way, ‘The Senate would not lower themselves to negotiate with us, let us then empty the lands around Valtuna and ask people to move inland away from the sea’ it was a fair suggestion, ‘Encourage our farmers and herders to move away from the southern border and move north…we must plan for a quick war that is the only way to defeat Rome…’ he pondered a moment more, smiling at his companions and then to Chief Elbio, ‘Withdraw as Plikasnas suggests and try to upset the Roman’s as little as possible, but then if we cannot avert war we must follow Cuintes advise…strike hard and fast across the Republics border’ he paused nodding to both men, ‘Strike at Veii or at Ostia, threaten Rome itself so that their people call upon the Senate to make peace.’
The House of Yoshua (the Money-lender)—Rome, 19th of September 452C
The Hebrew sat quietly, taking the measure of the three Roman’s sat before him, his own brother Amran stood quiet and grim behind him. Senator Scipio sat directly facing him, whilst Senator Hilarius and Atticus sat on low stools at his rear. A slave girl passed quietly along the edge of the small courtyard, a brush in her hand, Scipio letting his attention rest on her behind for longer than was decent, his eyes wolfish.
“I must confess Senator I have concerns’ Yoshua brushing his hand over the wax-tablet in front of him, ‘this is a considerable sum of money and yet the return is not guaranteed’ tilting his head slightly to catch glimpse of his brother, ‘yet I have already lent your master a considerable amount.’
‘My master?’ Scipio laughed, ‘I was not aware I was a slave my friend!’ again he laughed, looking down at his toga, the most obvious symbol of his status amongst the Senate. Scipio sipped his wine for a moment, the flavour was somewhat bitter, ‘If you do not have these kinds of resources available perhaps, we will have to seek out someone else?’ the comment seemingly innocent enough, but the implied threat clear.
“And who would you ask that you have not approached already?” Amran couldn’t help but intercede, the sudden sharp glare of his elder brother however, silencing him instantly.
Yoshua fixed his eyes on Scipio keenly, ‘If you have others you could ask then perhaps you should go to them Senator’ he sounded fair, ‘Others maybe willing to take risks which I am not’ he moved his gazes to Atticus and Hilarius, ‘You friends here perhaps? They are both wealthy men’ the suggestion being more a taunt than a reasonable proposal, since all knew the two other Senators were heavily indebted to Yoshua already and could offer nothing like the sum asked for.
“Look Jew” Scipios patience’s suddenly shaking a little, ‘has the Consul not done much for you and yours already? Have I not done much for you?’ he sounded hard now, ‘That new temple of yours? Who was it who granted you the license for its erection and who was it who offered state funds to help you build it?’ Scipio had used money from the Quaestors office to help with the building of the synagogue in Rome’s poorer district, Tribune of Plebs Titus Vespasianus having persuaded the People’s Assembly to sanction the Temple.
‘And I am grateful’ Yoshua smiled, trying to sound more friendly, he lifted the wax-tablet from the table slightly, ‘I am not saying I won’t lend you the money all I have said is I have concerns’ his voice even in tone, ‘I have staked a lot of capital helping yourself and Publius in your campaigns for election and I have not once pressured you for repayment’ which was true enough, since the Hebrew had lent thousands of denarii to them both. ‘But..’ he paused, taking a breath and deciding to play his hand, ‘I know Senator Verginius has been lending you money also and turning his resources in your favour, that will not be cheap’ again he paused, trying to keep the business-like tone in place, ‘I do not wish you to take on more debt than you can afford’
‘Let us judge what we can afford’ Scipio snapped back. He was irritated, few were supposed to know that Aulus Verginius was lending them money. His eyes fell on the dark, brooding frame of the younger brother, Amran who no doubt acted as a spy and agent for his brother.
Yoshua’s hands flew up, urging Scipio to wait for him to finish, ‘I accept that entirely’ he smiled, ‘BUT…..If Verginius is lending you cash and turning you favours, then you come to me for more….that says either the Senator is not the wealthy man I know him to be….’ the Jew smiled ruefully ‘You have fallen out and he will not lend more….or ..’’ he paused again looking susceptibly at the two men behind Scipio, his voice dropping lower, ‘Or else this money is to be used against Verginius and if that’s the case I want to know why before I release the cash!’
Scipio did not hesitate, turning his head slightly to the side, ‘Hilarius, Atticus leave us, myself and our friend here need to discuss some things privately.’
The two Senators cast worried glances at each other, they had been brought to act as witnesses to the agreement and yet now they were being ordered to leave. The silence however, that followed gave them all the answers they required, they had to go or else the deal was over.
Chief of the Etruscan, Elbio Vulturreno – Valtuna (Capital of Etruria), 27th of September 452C
Where do we go from here? Father if you can hear me, wherever your soul wanders, I need your guidance now more than I have ever needed it before, Chief Elbio mused to himself. His father had always known the best course of action, he had always been direct, calm under pressure and most importantly he understood the Romans.
Walking down the low slope from the door of the Great Hall, Elbio did not pause nor did he acknowledge any off those who had come to see him depart, concern written starkly across his face. The Chiefs had been summoned to meet him at Curtun, every chief from every tribe, band and kin-group, every settlement of Etruria called to send their envoys to meet the High Chieftain.
Dressed in a simple tunic, he did not look an overly imposing figure but his youthful face was visibly aging with worry. His wife and children had gone on ahead in a series of wagons carrying the household goods, furniture, rugs, furs, boxes of coin and the ashes of his ancestors. Strapped to the back of his horse, his shield and sword could be seen plainly, a public statement of his intention to fight and readiness to do so if the need came.
Seven raids from the Roman fleet on the coast had been launched over the past few days and the only action Elbio had been able to take had been to order his own ships to patrol the coastline, though they were under strict instructions not to engage. In Rome itself, the Chiefs spies had reported worrying news; an alliance between Consul Sempronius and Quintus Fabius Rullianus had been struck, the two controlling a thin majority in the Senate, just strong enough to overawe any would be opponents to war and votes for open conflict were apparently scheduled for later in the month. The first show of their alliance’s strength, seeing Rullianus appointed Commander of Rome’s Legion instead of Marcus Valerius Corvinus and thus now the new commander was busy appointing legates.
Mighty gods watch over my people! We have done nothing wrong; we have sought nothing but peace with Rome! I beg you ancestors, gods and spirits of the land be near me now, smile for me and protect my children. When I reach Curtun I will offer sacrifice to you if you will but send your power behind me.
He kicked his horse forward, joining a body of his personal clan warriors as they moved off down the wide avenue down the hill to the towns gate. Cattle were being herded ahead of them, wagons from various streets joining the main column as soldier and citizen alike moved there belongings, for those who had no horses an no wagons the march to Curtun would be a long one, whilst for those who had decided to stay in Valtuna the wait to see what would become of them would seem even longer.
Consul Publius Sempronius Sophus – The Senate House, Rome, 11th of October 452C
Rain was beating down heavily and the sky above was deep dark despite the early hour, just having passed mid-day. Ahead of him, the Consul noticed several Senators dashing across the Forum, hiking their togas above their knees or else trying to cover the heads from the falling rain as they rushed to the Senate House. Lucius Migellus Postumius rushing up the steps for the cover of the great porch with a half dozen of his own followers, none of whom paid any heed too the Consul as they raced inside out of the autumn shower.
Where the bloody hell are you Scipio? The Consul scanning the thin crowd for sign of his friend and closest ally. He had been sent on one last mission before the session began, one final cast of the dice played to secure victory in the vote once and for all. Opposition had been building for days as the crucial vote had been approaching, Gnaeus Flavius had been speaking vigorously days earlier in the Forum against the coming motion. Behind the scenes, Marcus Valerius Corvus, the old war-horse had been mustering his supporters for one final push at killing of the bill, angry that his attempts to position his own supporters in profitable positions had been scene of at every turn. Does it really take so long to ruin a man’s career…? we have work to do! Gods preserve us if this does not work.
Quintus Fabius Rullianus suddenly appeared along the side of the porch with Governor Paetinus, summoned from Capua and Senator Gurges, the current Praetor. The latter two strolled past Sempronius offering him a gentle nod of deference. “Are you well Consul?” Rullianus smiled, looking out at the sodden scene before them, many stall holders closing shop early, ‘Fine day for it isn’t it?’ the former Military Tribune and now Commander of Rome’s army, dripping wet, his toga visibly soaked.
“I am my friend” he smiled falsely, acquiring Rullianus loyalty and support had nearly bankrupt the Consul, whom had had to take out considerable loans to secure the necessary votes. ‘We shall see how fine a day it is when the motion comes to the floor’ he turned himself, stilling glaring into the rain to find his friend, yet more Senators dashing across the deepening puddles to reach the Curia.
Rullianus hand clamped down on Sempronius shoulder, firm and sure ‘Have no fear my friend! All is ready and waiting, let us get the bill through today and both our futures will be secured and our place in history will be ready to be made.’
Sempronius did not reply, forcing a grimace, failure today would be the end of his career and for his family it would be a long fall into destitution, penury and exile from the noble orders. The General left the Consul to his thoughts, disappearing into the gloom of the Senate House.
At least Junius was on time and has sorted out his business, that is a start aye! He sighed, the Censor of the Senate had arrived an hour early and had taken up position on the front seats, from there he was kindly informing certain key members of the House that friends, colleagues and business partners whose names they had put forward to join the Senate had been accepted or else those whom had asked for particularly unhelpful members to be struck off would find their desire met; all in a hope of securing floating voters to their cause.
“Don’t look so worried brother!” came the sudden jovial voice of Scipio, climbing the stairs. He had sloped around the edges of the forum unseen, every bit the spy and agent. ‘It is done!’ he smiled as he came out of the rain, ‘Saverrio will not be attending today and General Corvus will find himself one very important ally short.’
‘It went well then?’ Sempronius hackles suddenly rising and his nerves tingling.
‘If you view ruining a man’s marriage and thus his reputation as a good thing then yes it went very well indeed’ Scipio laughed, shaking hands with his closest ally, ‘Junius is inside? He has finished the appointments?’
The Consul nodded quickly, ‘Yes, yes that’s all being fixed now! But what of Saverrio? He is finished nay?’ in the early morning, Scipio had visited the house of the Co-Consul, dropping the news to his new wife Ogliana that her husband was having an affair with her own brother, the adultery being of the most shameful kind since she was now wed to a sodomite, the tale of him offering his backside to her brother no doubt humiliating in the extreme.
‘He was in tears the poor fellow and she was frothing at the mouth!’ Scipio chuckled, ‘before the end of the week I dare say she will be filing for divorce or dragging him by the hair through the forum! The paintings are good though’ he went to move past the Consul, gesturing that they should go inside, ‘my boys have done a fine job coating every street corner from here to the Aventine!’
Sempronius turned with Scipio, touching his shoulder very briefly ‘Remember always my friend what a debt I owe you when this deed is done’ the two sharing a brief smile. Into the Senate they strode, a few stragglers coming behind them, knots of chatting and twittering old men suddenly dispersing to take up their seats.
Ahead of them, front and centre, Marcus Valerius Corvus and his son, Corvinus sat, a grim pair eyes fixed on the empty seat of Publius Saverrio Sulpicius, Co-Consul. A worried glance between the two bring a sudden touch of warmth to Sempronius heart.
Today will not be your day Valerius, let me promise you off that! Jupiter watch over us!
Scipio broke away as Sempronius stepped up to the Consuls chair, offering an acknowledgement to Papirius Cursor the Speaker, the attendant lictors striking their staves against the cold stone to call for quiet. Junius and Scipio sat together to the left, their eyes fixed on the web of Senators breaking away from Rullianus, no doubt receiving their instruction on how to vote.
Where is Postumius? Where are you, you little weasel? The Consul searching the throng of politicos for the leader of the mercantile faction for but a moment; he was sat with Paetinus, the Governor of Magna Greacia and behind them seated for to the rear, Publius just noted the slightly, grey skinned figure of Senator Verginius, the arachnid. Postumius loyalty had not been overly cheap, but promises of import contracts, mining and logging rights and the promotion of a few friends had hopefully bought the day.
Publius smoothed out his toga, making sure it sat properly shifting his posture to get a comfy position since this debate would not be over quickly. He took a long, depth breath, letting his eyes close for a moment to compose himself and collect his thoughts together as Papirius Cursor rose to open the debate, his aged, reedy voice calling the whole room to silence.
“Wait! Speaker wait” Valerius not rising from his seat, arrogant as always ‘The Co-Consul is not here yet, we should wait a little longer perhaps rather than interrupt the proceedings later’ he gestured to the empty chair. Papirius turned to Sempronius, quizzically seeking confirmation of what to do; should they wait?
‘My colleague, Senator Valerius’ music filling Sempronius voice as joy lifted him, ‘will not be attending todays debate and sends his apologies!’ he nodded to the Speaker to continue. All around the room secret smiles would be blooming though none would come from the old-general and his son, who suddenly realised they had been out-manoeuvred and the money they had spent on getting Saverrio elected had just gone up in smoke.
